TfL to slap 20mph limit on 65km more of London roads in September

Transport chiefs have announced plans to bring a 20mph speed limit to more of the capital’s roads in September.

Transport for London (TfL) is pushing forward with plans to reduce the speed limits on 137 miles of its 367-mile network by 2024 after data emerged on the safety of its current low speed zones.

The majority of the restrictions will see roads move from 30mph zones to 20mph but will also include reductions from 40mph to 30mph.

TfL is planning to introduce 65km of new 20mph speed limits in September within the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Lewisham, Southwark, Wandsworth, Merton, Bromley and Lambeth.

A 20mph limit will be introduced on sections of a number of roads including Camberwell New Road, Tooting Bec Road, High Street Colliers Wood, Balham High Road and more.

TfL data, which monitored the safety of 20mph zones before and after the restrictions were implemented, found that the collisions resulting in death or fatalities had reduced by 25 per cent.

Currently, 68 miles of TFL roads have 20mph speed limits on them, including in all congestion charge roads.

The plan will introduce 17 miles of 20mph zones on roads across Camden, Islington, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Haringey this month.

Will Norman, London’s Walking & Cycling Commissioner, said: “The facts are clear, a person hit by a vehicle at 20mph is five times less likely to be killed than at 30mph.

“We are determined to build a safer, greener London for everyone and the continued expansion of the 20mph programme on TfL roads is playing a vital role in making the capital’s roads safer for people to walk, cycle and use public transport.

“This forms an important part of the Mayor’s Vision Zero plan and we will continue to work with colleagues in boroughs to keep improving the safety of London’s roads.”

Penny Rees, TfL Head of Healthy Streets Investment, said: "We are determined to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from London’s roads in line with our Vision Zero goal.

“Millions of walking and cycling journeys are made across London every day and a person is five times less likely to be killed if hit at 20mph than at 30mph.

“That’s why we’ve committed to reducing speed limits on our road network in the capital - and these proposals will make a real difference in cutting road danger and enabling more people to walk and cycle.

“We really value people’s feedback on our proposals and I’d encourage everybody to use this opportunity to share their views on our plans.”